How to Troubleshoot Common AC Problems

Air conditioning is a necessity in hot weather, and when it fails, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Common issues with air conditioning units include failure to turn on, short-cycling, lack of cool air, drainage issues, and strange noises. Fortunately, most of these issues are easy to troubleshoot and fix.

In this article, we will take a look at 12 common air conditioning problems and offer tips on how to fix them.

1. Your AC Won’t Turn On

If your air conditioning unit won’t turn on, check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If this is the case, reset the breaker and try turning the unit on again. If the breaker trips again, it could indicate a more serious issue with the wiring, and you should call a professional to inspect your unit.

2. Your AC Is Constantly Turning On and Off

Short-cycling occurs when your air conditioning unit turns on and off frequently. This could be due to a dirty air filter or a clogged condenser unit. Check and clean your air filter, and if this doesn’t solve the issue, call in a professional to inspect your unit.

3. Your AC Is Constantly Running

If your air conditioning unit runs constantly, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat or electrical components. Check the thermostat settings and ensure that they are set to the correct temperature. If this doesn’t solve the issue, contact a professional to inspect your unit.

4. Your AC Is Not Blowing Cool Air

If your air conditioning unit is not blowing cool air, it could indicate a dirty evaporator coil or low refrigerant levels. Clean your evaporator coil and check the refrigerant levels, and if these are not the issue, contact a professional to inspect your unit.

5. Your AC’s Air Isn’t Flowing

If your air conditioning unit is running but no air is coming through the ducts, it could indicate a tripped circuit breaker, a worn blower belt, or low refrigerant levels. Check the circuit breaker and the blower belt, and if these are not the issue, contact a professional to inspect your unit.

6. Your AC Is Leaking Liquid

If your air conditioning unit is leaking liquid, it could indicate a problem with the condensate drain or refrigerant levels. Check the condensate drain and clean it if necessary, and if this doesn’t solve the issue, contact a professional to inspect your unit.

7. Your AC Is Having Drainage Issues

If your air conditioning unit is having drainage issues, it could indicate a clog in the drain pipe or the drain itself. Check for debris and clean the drain pipe, and if this doesn’t solve the issue, contact a professional to inspect your unit.

8. Your Condenser Coil Is Freezing

If your air conditioning unit’s condenser coil is freezing, it could indicate a dirty air filter or a malfunctioning component. Check and clean your air filter, and if this doesn’t solve the issue, contact a professional to inspect your unit.

9. Your AC Smells Funky

If your air conditioning unit is emitting unpleasant odors, it could indicate a dirty air filter or a more serious issue with electrical components. Clean your air filter, and if this doesn’t solve the issue, contact a professional to inspect your unit.

10. Your AC Is Making Strange Noises

If your air conditioning unit is making strange noises, it could indicate a problem with the blower motor or other electrical components. Contact a professional to inspect your unit as soon as possible.

11. Your Thermostat Is Malfunctioning

If your air conditioning unit is working intermittently or shutting off after a short period of time, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat. Check the thermostat settings and ensure that they are level and clean. If this doesn’t solve the issue, contact a professional to inspect your unit.

12. Your AC Is Tripping the Circuit Breaker

If your air conditioning unit is tripping the circuit breaker, it could indicate a problem with the wiring or a faulty circuit breaker. Reset the circuit breaker and wait at least 30 minutes before trying to turn the unit on again. If the breaker trips again, contact a professional to inspect your unit.

Additional Maintenance Tips to Avoid HVAC Problems

To avoid common air conditioning problems, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your unit. This includes cleaning the unit’s exterior and interior components, changing the air filter regularly, and scheduling annual inspections with a professional HVAC technician. By following these tips, you can keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

If you are having issues with your air conditioner, Northern Climate Control is here to help. Our skilled technicians serve the entire Denver Metro Area. Get in touch with us today to get started.